New massage franchise opens at Sharon Corners

A former naval officer is opening an Elements massage franchise in the Sharon Corners shopping center near SouthPark mall.

The store will be the city's first Elements, joining a crowded massage scene with dozens of studios and spas of all types, independents and franchises. Elements owner Mark Little, who has lived in Charlotte for about 10 years, said what will set his franchise apart is a focus on therapeutic massage.

The health benefits of a good deep tissue or Swedish massage more than justify the expense, Little thinks. Similar to Massage Envy's (which has a half-dozen stores in Charlotte) business model, Elements has a membership option, offering discounts for monthly massages.

Little's Elements massage has a grand opening today, Friday, May 27. The business is offering discounted massages and Father's Day specials. Little says he plans to open two more massage stores in south Charlotte over the next two years.